# Campylobacter spread and antibiotic resistance > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/campylobacter-spread-and-antibiotic-resistance > Updated: 2026-08-12T03:51:45.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2. Research indicates that the intensification of global poultry production has facilitated the spread and evolution of Campylobacter bacteria. A study of nearly 2,800 bacterial genomes across 30 countries found that increased chicken numbers—which have risen seven-fold since the 1960s—create conditions for bacterial mixing and the acquisition of antimicrobial-resistance traits. Senior author Sam Sheppard described intensive poultry farms as a “cauldron of bacterial evolution.” This evolution poses a significant global health threat, as Campylobacter is a leading cause of bacterial diarrhoea and a widespread zoonosis. In Europe, it accounts for an average of 246,000 annual cases, with poultry farming responsible for 20-30% of these infections. The rapid development of antibiotic resistance through DNA mutations and horizontal gene transfer makes the misuse of antibiotics a critical driver of the crisis. To manage these risks, experts and the European Food Safety Authority emphasize strict hygiene, thorough cooking of poultry, and continuous monitoring of food contamination. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-12: Antibiotic resistance and Campylobacteriosis pose growing health risks Rising antibiotic resistance and Campylobacteriosis infections in Europe highlight the urgent need for food safety and responsible antibiotic use to combat zoonotic diseases. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/antibiotic-resistance-and-campylobacteriosis-pose-growing-health-risks ### 2026-07-27: Industrial chicken farms fuel global spread of Campylobacter bacteria Intensive chicken farms have accelerated global spread and antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter, the leading cause of bacterial diarrhoea, according to a PNAS study of 2,800 genomes. 15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/industrial-chicken-farming-fuels-global-spread-of-campylobacter-study-finds --- Cite as: Campylobacter spread and antibiotic resistance. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/campylobacter-spread-and-antibiotic-resistance